Govt’s no to Pak players in PKL

Sabi Hussain

Tribune News Service

new delhi, May 22

With the bilateral ties between India and Pakistan continuing to remain hostile, it was surprising to see 10 Pakistan players featuring in the players' auction for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season-5 held here today. 

None of the 12 franchises, including the four new entrants, showed any interest in bidding for the players from the neighbouring country as all of them went unsold. This happened hours after Sports Minister Vijay Goel said the Pakistan players weren't welcome in India unless the neighbours give up on “sponsoring terrorism”. “The organisers can call them but they can not make them play. Even if they are selected, it is the Government of India which will decide whether they will play or not. Unless Pakistan gives up sponsored terrorism, it is impossible to play with them,” Goel said.

A total of 60 foreign players were up for grabs at the PKL auction, out of which 11 were picked by different franchises. The unsold players have been put in the reserves category with the franchises getting the option to pick them in the second round. However, organisers, franchise owners and the Indian players felt that Pakistan players should have been allowed to play in the league. 

Anup Kumar says Pakistan players welcome

India's national kabaddi team captain Anup Kumar said Pakistan's presence would have been welcome as the country is one of the powerhouse of the game. “There is a need to keep politics aside from sporting ties. Pakistan is a strong kabaddi-playing nation, they were part of the PKL in the first two editions (2014, 2015). Their players have always posed a tough challenge to the opposition. We know that everything depends on government's approval but we would have welcomed them in the PKL,” he said.

PKL promoter Charu Sharma said he would respect the government's decision. Pakistan player Wasim Sajjad, who featured in 17 matches spread across two seasons, had led Patna Pirates as captain at one point of time. The fifth season of the PKL will begin on June 25.